Iowa State is 2-0 on the young season, and the home team is catching all the hype in this one. That said, the Cyclones’ Week 0 victory is looking less and less impressive over a Kansas State team that did not impress in its return to the states in Week 1. Iowa State returned home and collected a blowout win over South Dakota, but I still don’t think we know much about the Hawkeyes. They’ve played a KSU team that might be much worse than we think, and with all due respect to South Dakota, a layup at home. In the process, the Cyclones have pulled out all the tricks. ISU was forced to show a lot of looks in a big conference game against the Wildcats, and then chose to run the score up and drop 55 the following week. Kirk Ferentz now has a lot of take on the Cyclones.
Iowa revealed nothing in a Week 1 victory over Albany, and I expect the Hawkeyes to unleash a lot of new looks in this rivalry game. The Hawkeyes have a stout defense per usual, and also project as one of the best special teams units in the country. However, the addition of Mark Gronowski under center could be just what the Hawkeyes need to take their offense to the next level. Again, Iowa just came out and went through the motions against Albany. This is where we find out if Iowa is for real.
This could be a hangover spot for the Cyclones, who have already had to travel internationally, while Iowa has been sitting back preparing for revenge. Iowa was up big at home in this game last year, but ISU hit some big second half plays to steal the win. I think Iowa gets them back this time around on the road, where its won six in a row in this matchup. I’ll gladly take the points.
CFP Pick: Iowa +3.5 (-110) 1.5-units
Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app on Apple or Google!
